Rans S-9B Chaos

The Rans S-9 Chaos is an American aerobatic aircraft developed in 1986, which was sold as reasonably priced kit for self-builders. It is popular worldwide and is used as a sporting and leisure aircraft as well as for aerobatics.

The Museum’s aircraft

The aircraft was assembled by electrical engineer and aircraft enthusiast Reidar Berntsen from Tønsberg. After 1,800 hours’ work the plane was ready in 1994. It was approved for use and registered as LN-SNI. Berntsen flew the plane himself and it was a popular feature at aerobatic displays and air shows in South Norway.

Rans S-9B is a modified version of the standard model Rans S-9. The nose has been extended and the rudder moved further back for better stability. In 2012 Berntsen designed new and shorter wings, specially adapted for airborne docking of free-fallers wearing wingsuits. LN-SN1 is the first and probably only aircraft in the world to be approved for this type of use. The parachutist grabs onto a handle on the wing and hangs there. The extra weight of the parachutist is borne by the jumper's wingsuit, while the aircraft just contributes forward speed.

Because of the changes to the standard model, the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority wanted ‘B’ added to the type designation of Berntsen’s aircraft, so that the original Rans S-9 became the S-9B we have on display here. After twenty years and 350 flying hours LN-SNI was retired in 2014. For a couple of years, it was displayed at Torp Airport, Sandefjord until Berntsen donated it to the Norwegian Aviation Museum in 2016.

First and probably only aircraft in the world approved for docking free-fall parachutists on the wings.